OUAGADOUGOU — Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso, delivered a compelling call to action to young Africans on Friday, emphasizing the use of their collective energy to effect positive global change. Addressing attendees from all 13 regions of Burkina Faso and 54 African countries during the International Youth Day celebrations in Ouagadougou, President Traoré highlighted the power of youth in overcoming cowardice, betrayal, and incompetence—traits he attributed to historical subjugation by imperialist forces.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these negative qualities have historically allowed imperialists to exploit African leaders and plunder the continent’s resources. He underscored the necessity for today’s youth to eschew such characteristics to avoid repeating the errors of their predecessors. “A coward is always afraid. And when we are afraid, we become slaves. Our ancestors were not cowards; This is why we are not afraid and we will never be afraid,” President Traoré declared, reinforcing his message of resilience and courage.

He also reflected on historical betrayals that facilitated the slave trade and colonization, citing the sacrifices of African leaders like Patrice Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Victor Biaka Boda of Ivory Coast, who suffered due to such betrayals. President Traoré further criticized the role of incompetence in hindering national progress and aiding imperialist agendas.

The event also featured remarks from Moumouni Dialla, President of the Pan-African Youth Union and the Burkinabè National Youth Council. Dialla called for unity and solidarity among his peers, urging them to support President Traoré’s vision for the liberation of the African continent.

According to Dialla, President Traoré’s leadership and patriotism serve as a beacon of hope for young Africans, inspiring them to strive for integration, security, peace, and development—the central themes of this year’s International Youth Day.